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Do basses get much sexier? We're not sure they do

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Slowly rotate first one volume then the other and, as the pickups intermix, you'll discover a series of settings where the sound seems to fold, something like you get with an envelope filter.

These are the glorious 'sweet spots' where the sound hollows out and gets funky in distinct contrast to the sound of the Precision. These tonal acrobatics are what attracts players to the Jazz, and once bitten nothing else will do.

Whether it's worth paying nearly twice as much to get a beaten-up-looking nitro-finished instrument, rather than a brand spanking new one, is open to debate. All we can say is despite its infancy the illusion is dramatic and effective – this feels like an old trusty partner after just hours of playing.

However, it's a pity that once again Fender doesn't provide the cover plates or thumb-rest that were included with the original design, even though the screw holes are all here!

Individual beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder, but this instrument surely represents the ultimate in attainable shabby chic.